England defender ruled out of FIFA World Cup 2026, Thomas Tuchel calls Chelsea star as replacement

England have been forced into a late defensive change ahead of their opening World Cup fixture after Tino Livramento was withdrawn from the squad because of a calf injury sustained in training. The setback occurred on Sunday, only days before England's tournament opener against Croatia on late Wednesday night. 

Notably, the injury has ended Livramento's involvement in the competition before he could make an appearance, prompting the coaching staff to turn to Trevoh Chalobah as his replacement. The timing of the injury is



particularly unfortunate for Livramento, whose availability had already been uncertain following a thigh problem that kept him out during the closing weeks of the domestic season. Despite concerns over his fitness, the Newcastle United defender had travelled with the squad but will now miss the remainder of the tournament.

England's management moved swiftly to fill the vacancy within FIFA's regulations, which permit the replacement of an outfield player suffering a serious injury or illness up to 24 hours before a team's first match at the World Cup.